The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 3 letter word STY
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
S
T
Y
Buddy explains!

The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does STY mean?
STY noun- A pen or enclosure for swine.
- A messy, dirty or debauched place.
- To place in, or as if in, a sty
- To live in a sty, or any messy or dirty place
- A ladder.
- To ascend, rise up, climb.
- An inflammation of the eyelid.